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How do I get a PIN number?

A Patron Identification Number (PIN) is a number, word, or number/word combination that allows you to view and change your borrower account information via our Web catalog.

Why get a PIN number? With your barcode and a PIN number, you can log in to our catalog over the Web and do the following without librarian intervention:
  • View a list of the items you have checked out.
  • View a list of the items you have on reserve.
  • Check the total amount of your fines.
  • Renew items that are due, almost due, or even slightly overdue.
  • Reserve titles.
  • Cancel reserves.
  • Change your PIN number.
  • Assign yourself or change an e-mail address for e-mail notifications of reserved items ready pickup and overdues.

How do I get a PIN?

If your account does not have a PIN, you now can assign yourself a PIN over the web without staff assistance.

  1. Just click on the My Account link at the top of this page.
  2. Enter your 14-digit barcode number as prompted, without spaces. 3.
  3. Click Submit.
  4. Re-enter your barcode number.
  5. Enter a PIN twice in the text boxes provided. The PIN must be at least four characters long, and can consist of letters and/or digits.
  6. Click the Submit button.

How do I change my PIN?

If you currently have a PIN, and you know what it is, but want to change it for any reason (for example, a staff member may have created it for you and you want to make it more private), do the following:

  1. Just click on the My Account link at the top of this page.
  2. Enter your 14-digit barcode number as prompted, without spaces.
  3. Enter your PIN.
  4. Click Submit.
  5. Click "Modify your PIN"
  6. In the pop-up window, enter your old PIN once. Then enter a new PIN twice in the text boxes provided. The PIN must be at least four characters long, and can consist of letters and/or digits.
  7. Click the Submit button.
  8. Click "Close Window".

Why all the secrecy?

  1. Privacy: Your borrower record is private. If you don't mind other people being able to see what you check out, that is your decision. But as librarians, we are genetically programmed to try to keep that information from anyone but you.
  2. Security: The PIN helps protect your account from mischief or malice. If we didn't require a PIN, a co-worker who happened to see your library card could reserve books in your name, cancel bonafide reserve requests, and find out what you are reading. Your PIN and account information are entered on a secure https web page, and are encrypted as they travel over the Internet.

What is a good PIN?

A word and/or numbers that you can remember, but a casual acquaintance couldn't figure out easily. The PIN must be at least four characters in length.

What if I forget my PIN?

Library staff cannot see your PIN on our computers -- it is encrypted, so we cannot tell you what it is. We can delete your old one, however, and the next time you open My Account from a web browser, you will be able to re-assign yourself one, using the above procedure. Or we can create a new PIN for you and tell you what it is, and you can later change it. So send an e-mail to the or call 617-730-2370 if you've forgotten your PIN.